Hot Boats & Watercraft How-Tos
How To: Tie a Butterfly knot to create loops in rope midpoints
This Butterfly knot will accommodate a load in any direction, and is used mostly in outdoor and boating situations, but also could be used as a paddling knot. It's used for securing a loop or many loops in the middle of a rope. Great for mountain climbing and canoeing.
How To: Tie the Handcuff knot
Learn how to tie a Handcuff Knot. This is a handy knot for those times when an emergency set of handcuffs are needed :) Firefighters also use this knot, coupled with a half hitch over each loop, as a man harness. This knot can be used in sailing, boating, general use, camping and bondage.
How To: Tie an Artillery Hitch (Loop) knot
Learn how to tie an Artillery Hitch or loop - A secure way of forming a loop in the standing part of a rope so that the loop lies perpendicular to the line. This is a good knot for sailing, boating, general outdoors and even bondage.
How To: Tie off a suspension ring with a basic knot
This video tutorial is in the Outdoor Recreation category which will show you how to tie off a suspension ring with a basic knot. Weld less rings are used as connection points for a variety of purposes. However, riggers quite often make tying a ring unnecessarily complicated. All that is required is a basic knot and a few hitches. For this you will need to tie the running overhand knot. Take a rope, bend it in half and tie it to a suspension point. Now pass both ends of the rope through the r...
How To: Tie a Heaving Line knot / Franciscan Monks' knot
Learn how to tie a Heaving Line or Franciscan Monk's Knot - a practical and decorative knot used to add weight to the end of a heaving line, or to finish a Monk's belt rope ends. This is a fine knot for camping, climbing, sailing or Boy Scout training.
How To: Tie the quick release knot
Here is a good knot. Do you know it? It's the quick release knot. Check out this instructional knot tying video that demonstrates how to tie the Quick Release knot. Just follow the simple instructions outlined in this boating tutorial and learn how to tie a Quick Release knot. Knot tying is a breeze with this video. Start practicing and reel in the big fish!
How To: TIe a decorative noose
In this tutorial, we learn how to tie a decorative noose. First, form a loop and then and wrap the end around the loop thirteen times. Next, take the loose end and stick it into the coils you just made. Use a pencil and long scissors to help you do this. After you are done with this, tie a knot at the end and pull so the loop is tight. You can also clip off the loose end and pull the loop to make it larger if you prefer. When finished, use this as you wish but do not use it for violent activi...
How To: Tie the basic knot design of a cargo net
In this video, we learn how to tie the basic knot design of a cargo net. First, tie a double overhand knot on a rope bent into two. After this, make cow hitching on the first loop that you created. Next, make a second double overhand knot followed by cow hitching the second loop. After you do this, you will be able to size up for use! To make this, you must have some prior knowledge of how to tie different knots. If you don't, you won't know how to make the shapes. Use a picture as a referenc...
How To: Tie a Shamrock knot / True Lover's knot
This shows you how to tie a Shamrock Knot / True Lover's Knot - A decorative knot, built from two Thumb Knots, that forms the shape of a shamrock. This is used in sailing, boating, general use, camping and bondage.
How To: Tie a Turk's Head knot in a flat or matt format
Learn how to tie a Turk's Head Knot in a flat or matt format - A decorative knot that is tied flat and can, if desired, then be formed into the cylindrical form of the Turk's Head Knot. This is a fine knot for camping, climbing, sailing or Boy Scout training.
How To: Make a canopy for your boat
You can make your own canopy for your boat and save hundreds of dollars from the store bought ones. You’ll need 1 inch pvc pipe, some nuts and bolts and you‘re set. You’ll set you’re canopy off of some swivel brackets that secure on the pvc pipe with 2 inch screws. This video will show you how to rig everything and you’ll be sitting in the shade in no time.
How To: Tie a Sheepshank from a Tom Fool's knot
Learn how to tie a Sheepshank using a Tom Fool's Knot as a base - This is a quick and stable means of tying a sheepshank knot. This is a fine knot for camping, climbing, sailing or Boy Scout training.
How To: Tie the slip knot for boating
This version of the slip knot is basically a uni knot tied with rope and with just one or two wraps around the double line. It does the trick and is easy to tie.
How To: Tie an Anchor Hitch / Bucket Hitch knot
Learn how to tie an Anchor Hitch (also known as a Bucket Hitch) - A very secure means of attaching a rope to an anchor or any other object that you can't afford to loose (like a bucket down a well, I suppose - thus the alternate name). I actually do use this hitch for temporary anchor attachment (preferring to permanently splice instead) as well as for my bucket lanyards when washing down my boat's deck.
How To: Tie a Blood Knot
Learn how to tie a Blood Knot - Used in sailing as a somewhat decorative stopper knot or on the business end of a Cat 'O Nine Tails (hence the Blood Knot's name). This knot can be used in sailing, boating, general use, camping and bondage.
How To: Tie a great sailor's chain (sea chain) knot
Have a lot of left over rope that you don't need? Looking for an easier way to store your extension cables and the like without getting them all tangled up? Then learn how to make a sailor's chain! This great video shows you the basic steps that you'll take to creating an endless set of slip knots that'll keep your wires, cables and ropes all tidy without.
How To: Winterizing your boat engine block
In this Outdoor Recreation video tutorial you will learn how to winterizing your boat engine block. For this you will need some screwdrivers, compressed air and a flexible hose if you have a hot water heater system on the boat. First you got to drain out all the water inside the engine. Remove the two plugs from the block and one plug from the sea pot as shown in the video and drain out all the water. Be careful and don't drop the seals while removing the plugs from the engine. While the wate...
How To: Install Teleflex QC II steering cables on a boat
If you're looking to replace or just add cables to your steering this video tutorial is just what you need. You'll find out how to install Teleflex QC II steering cables on your boat in no time at all. Just pay attention to the video, take any notes, and good luck!
How To: Power wash your boat
This video is led by Eddie from Long Island Boaters Club. As the boating season ends, Eddie explains, it is very important to clean and prepare your boat for storage for the winter. An important part of this process is to power wash the algae growth and barnacle debris that can cover the hull very quickly. After taking the boat out of the water and placing on blocks, he lets it sit for one day. Then using a pressure washer, he removes the algae growth. A scraper is used to remove the actual b...
How To: Stopper Knot
Learn how to tie a Stopper Knot - A quick way to form a stopper at the end of a line to prevent it from pulling through a block or other object. This is a good knot for sailing, boating, rock climbing, general outdoors and even bondage.
How To: Tie a Turk's Head knot - on a cylinder and spherical
Learn how to tie a Turk's Head Knot - a decorative knot used to cover a cylindrical object, or it can be worked into a tight ball or sphere. This is a good knot for sailing, boating, general outdoors and even bondage.
How To: Tie a Tom Fool's Knot
Learn how to tie a Tom Fool's knot - this knot is a basis for a number of decorative and functional knots. This knot can be used in sailing, boating, general use, camping and bondage.
How To: Tie the Man Harness from a Tom Fool's Knot
Learn how to tie a Man Harness from a Tom Fool's Knot - used as an emergency harness for hoisting a person. This knot can be used in sailing, boating, general use, camping and bondage.
How To: Tie a Thief Knot
This video shows you how to tie a Thief Knot. This knot looks a Reef Knot to the casual observer and so can be used to determine if a thief is tampering with your belongings bag - secure it with a Thief Knot, and if you find it re-tied with a Reef Knot, you know someone has been messing with your stuff. This is used in sailing, boating, general use, camping and bondage.
How To: Tie the nail fishing knot
Check out this instructional fishing video that demonstrates how to tie the Nail knot. Just follow the simple instructions outlined in this boating tutorial and learn how to tie the nail fishing knot. Knot tying is a breeze with this video. Start practicing and reel in the big fish!
How To: Tie the clove hitch knot
Check out this instructional knot tying video that demonstrates how to tie a Clove Hitch knot. You can tie a clove hitch to a stanchion when you can't reach the top. Just follow the simple instructions outlined in this tutorial and learn how to tie a Clove Hitch knot. Knot tying is a breeze with this video. Start practicing and reel in the big fish!
How To: Winterize your boat
In this tutorial, we learn how to winterize your boat with Bill Sisson. First, you need to make sure everything that moves stays moving. You can help this by adding some oil and cream to the parts that need to stay moving. Anything that is related to the fuel system should be treated as well. The fuel system needs to be treated or else it won't work properly when you start your boat up again in the summer. Make sure you have a good fuel stabilizer in the fuel and treat the filter as well. Jus...
How To: Winterize your boat and prepare it for Winter
In this tutorial, we learn how to winterize your boat and prepare it for winter. First, you will remove the drain plug from the boat and let the water out. After this, remove the oil drain and drain the oil out of the motor while it's warm. Exhaust fumes while the engine is turned on as well. Now, start the engine and let it run for a few minutes staying idle. After doing these steps, your boat will be ready to be stored for the winter. So when you turn it on when it's ready, it won't stall o...
How To: Winterize the sterdrive unit on your boat
In this tutorial, we learn how to winterize the stern drive unit on your boat. By draining the oil as the last step, you must inspect for moisture. If you have no moisture, you can assume there is no water intrusion so you don't have to do any repairs. Remove the oil out of the lower unit first, making sure to keep an eye out for metal shavings and moisture. Use the proper gear lube to make sure you are draining all the areas properly. When finished, your boat will be ready to be stored and b...
How To: Properly tie a strong nonbinding bowline knot
If you need a sturdy, super strong knot, but you want be able to reuse the rope, then the bowline knot is what you want. The bowline knot is one of the strongest knots available. It's a nonbinding knot which makes a nonslipping and nonjamming loop at the end of the rope. This is perfect for heavy equipment, and great for boats and other watercraft vehicles. The bowline can take as much weight as the rope can handle, and it can be untied!
How To: Set up the mast on the Open 570 single-handedly
In this video, we learn how to set up the mast on the Open 570 single-handedly. First, look to see where the mast is going to fit on the boat. Pick the mast up in the middle so it balances out on each side, it's very long. Turn the mast around and place the edge facing the foyer. Put the base of the mast into the mast step, then let it rest on a step ladder. From here, get into the boat and add the safety pin into the base of the mast to keep it locked. Now take the mast and push it up into t...
How To: Tie an Alpine Coil knot
In this tutorial, we learn how to tie an Alpine Coil knot. When you start your coil you want the starting end to be inside your hand. First, take the working end of your rope on your last coil and make a loop in your rope. Then, wrap a couple of turns around the rope and lock it into place. Once you've made a couple of turns, the working end will go into the loop. To secure, go over to the end from the loop and give it a tug, which will lock the working end into the rope and make a nice way t...
How To: Use marine VHF radio
Radio communication is one of the oldest and most effective means of communication via technology, so it's no wonder it's still a popular way to send and receiver signals, especially on the water. Having a Marine radio can be critical when operating a boat on any type of water. There are many uses for a Marine radio, but the most important is to send a distress signal — here’s how to do it.
How To: Remove a boat from the water for transport & storage
Eddie shows us how to remove a boat from the water in this video tutorial. First, take down the canvases and wrap them up. Now, put the antennas down and drive the boat to the loading dock. Next you will need a large truck that has a hitch and trailer attached to it, and secure everything so the boat stays on and doesn't come off of the trailer. Take the drain plug out of the boat before you transport it, to make it lighter. Transport the boat to your house, and place bricks over the front so...
How To: Install a switch panel on a boat
When you have so much technology on one small boat, things are bound to get confusing. That's why having a big enough switch panel is a great way to keep track of all the different switches that your boat has. In this tutorial, you'll find out the steps needed to insatll a switch panel on a boat. Depending on how much experience you have with using tools, this video may be a tad bit difficult. So sit back and pay attention. Good luck!
How To: Maintain a mechanical steering system on your boat
It seems that maintaining the steering system on your boat is a pretty important task. Not only does it make sure your boat is running smoothly and effeciently, but will also make sure that you don't face certain doom. So in this tutorial, find out exactly how to maintain your mechanical steering system on your boat. You'll thank yourself and so will your boat. Enjoy!
How To: Install a t-top navigational light on your boat
Navigational lights on a boat can be extremely important. They not only can be used in cases of emergency, but also let other boaters know that you're there and to either keep away or watch out. It can be a little bit difficult to install, but after watching this tutorial may seem simple. So find out how to install a navigational light on your t-top tower on your boat. Enjoy!
How To: Easily install a CE Smith t-top storage bag on a boat
Nothing is more frustrating that finding yourself out on the open sea and having to manuever around a bunch of stuff lying around in your boat. Not only can it be hazerdous, but also very annoying. So what do you do? Install a storage bag or course! In this tutorial, you;ll find out how to easily install a CE Smith t-top storage bag on your boat in little to no time. Now all your stuff can be easily put away and easily accessible. Enjoy!
How To: Install a CE Smith t-top electronics box on your boat
When out on the ocean, it's always a smart move to make sure your electronics are close by and easily accessible. The best way to do so is by having it located at the t-top tower of your boat. So this tutorial will show you how to install a CE Smith electronics box on the t-top of your boat. It's easy to do and will have your equipment ready in no time. Enjoy!
How To: Switch a fluorescent t-top light with an led light
This video tutorial will show you how easy it can be to switch your old fluorescent lights with an led light. This video focuses on the t-top of your boat or watercraft and shows you how to save energy even on a boat. It's a definite upgrade over what standard boats have and gives you a much sharper color than those other boring dull lights. So sit back and enjoy this easy to do tutorial.
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